How did the teacher make sure that the students were able to demonstrate their thinking, answer the question?
The teacher posed the questions but students led the discussion. The teacher did not support answers to the questions but rather evoked higher level thinking
within her set of questions. For example, students fed off each others' responses creating their own higher level questions to the other students in the group.
What are some features of the learning environment that support this questioning?
The teacher reminded students of the "ground rules" for discussion. She praised their efforts. Periodically, she repeated questions posed by students to help clarify the questions for the group. All answers were accepted and valued.
How does asking higher order thinking questions and eliciting explanations improve students’ learning?
It encourages divergent thinking by allowing group members to see multiple points of view.
How do you ensure a culture that engages every student, every question, every time?
Establish a set of clear guidelines on the first day of school. These include but are not limited to the following: Comfortable environment, seating arrangements, teacher and student rules for discussion, praise, mutual respect, etc.
within her set of questions. For example, students fed off each others' responses creating their own higher level questions to the other students in the group.